The UK government has approved the expansion of London Luton Airport (LTN), allowing it to nearly double its passenger capacity from 18 million to 32 million annually.

The project includes the construction of a new terminal, additional aircraft stands, improved road access via a new dual carriageway and an extension of the Luton DART light rail system. The expansion will not involve building a new runway but instead making more efficient use of the existing one. The expansion is expected to create up to 11,000 new jobs and contribute GBP1.5 billion (US$1.62 billion) annually to the economy. 

The approval aligns with the government's broader strategy to stimulate economic growth through infrastructure development. Officials assert that advancements in sustainable aviation fuels and other technologies will mitigate the environmental impact, ensuring that the expansion does not compromise the UK's net-zero emissions targets. This decision reflects the government's prioritization of economic development, even in the face of environmental objections, as part of its comprehensive infrastructure growth plan.